Final Fantasy XIV delayed once again, Square Enix apologizes for the mess

Square Enix is determined to fix Final Fantasy XIV before releasing the PS3 version.

Square Enix posted an announcement today on the official Final Fantasy XIV website informing players of upcoming changes, while also apologizing to their fans. In order to make the game a better experience, Square Enix decided that restructuring the team is the best way to achieve that goal.

As a result, the PlayStation 3 version of the game has been delayed. Unfortunately, a new release window was not provided.

Regarding the PlayStation 3, it is not our wish to release a simple conversion of the Windows version in its current state, but rather an update that includes all the improvements we have planned. For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release of the PlayStation 3 version beyond the originally announced date of March 2011.

What’s even crazier is that Hiromichi Tanaka announced that he is stepping down from his role as the game’s producer. This is what he had to say:

First of all, I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game’s current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer.

A number of concerns that have been voiced by users, such as the design of the user interface, availability of tutorials and game content, and battle system functionality, represent key issues that must be addressed. While improvements are already well underway in many areas, we were unfortunately not able to incorporate player feedback as quickly as we would have liked. We are aware, however, that in many cases, addressing these issues will call for a reworking of game elements. As these changes are our first priority, they will be commanding our full attention and efforts. It is to that end that we have put a new organizational structure into place for the development team.

Under this new system, FINAL FANTASY XIV will see changes and additions in line with the desires and expectations of players. Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea.

Replacing Tanaka as producer and director is Naoki Yoshida. We’re not exactly sure what he has done in the past, and even he admitted that most people probably won’t know who he is.

No doubt there are very few, if any, among you who have ever heard the name Naoki Yoshida. To be sure, I have never been in the fore on any of the titles I have worked on in the past. I am, however, honored and privileged to work alongside many talented and inspiring colleagues, and with their support have enjoyed making games for a number of years. I am aware that a great many people will think the responsibility of leading FINAL FANTASY XIV is far too large a task for someone so unknown. After all, even my very best may seem no more than a drop in the bucket when considering the sheer scope of FINAL FANTASY XIV. But working together with me are the very talented and very capable development and management teams, whose dedication and motivation are unwavering. I would like to ask you to please put to rest uncertainties that you may have.

Square Enix did provide a list of names for the restructured team, many of which are individuals that have worked on a bunch of quality games within the company. It’s definitely worth checking out.